If you work in this business long enough you will see just about everything. Unfortunately, today one of our agents saw the business end of an automatic pistol. It occurred at about 11am on a fairly busy street in a neighborhood that is usually pretty safe.
Montry was checking on a property and trimming some branches that had fallen down. While doing this, he was approached by 2 males who took his watch and ring, forced him into his car, drove to his house 20 miles away, took all the cash in the house and a new pair of sneakers and then had him drive them back to the neighborhood where they abducted him. The brand new $300 chainsaw must have been too much to carry. We still have that.
He took it pretty well, all things considered. His attitude was pretty much that it was bound to happen eventually. He didn't even want to call the police. On that note, he was on to something. They gave him a bunch of grief about coming back to the office and then calling. Apparently the better plan would have been to hang around the neighborhood he was robbed in and wait for the police there !!! As it was, it took them an hour to get to the office after we called. GREAT !!!
I am not posting this to scare anyone or anything, but this is an example of how anything can happen to anyone, anytime.
As a reminder, it is a good idea to let people know where you are going and when you plan to be back. If you are not comfortable going somewhere or doing something, please don't do it.
Montry is a former Army MP. Most of our folks have military backgrounds and are comfortable doing things in places where others would be a little afraid. This isn't the first bad situation any of us have been in, but it is the worst. If it can happen to us, it can happen to anyone.
Do you have questions about distressed assets, receivership or bankruptcy sales, auctions? Email me at rfk@gryphonusa.com and I'll try to answer it in an upcoming post.
Richard F. Kruse is the President of Columbus, Ohio based Gryphon USA, Ltd. (www.gryphonusa.com). The Gryphon Organization includes Gryphon Asset Management providing receivership and consulting services in the distressed marketplace, United Country Gryphon Realty & Auction Group (www.ucohiorealty.com & www.ucohioauctions.com) providing real estate brokerage and auction services throughout Ohio and OnlineAuctionUSA.com (www.onlineauctionusa.com) providing commercial asset liquidations from the Midwest to East Coast.
United Country Gryphon Realty & Auction Career Opportunities Available. Call 614-885-0020 x 17
I hope he is OK, I am aware of my surroundings at all times even if I am with a client.
That was horrible!I was sorry to hear of the cops response..but it is typical of them...many years ago,when I ran convenience stores,My assistant manager was robbed with a knife put to her throat....After calling the cops,they showed up 4 hours later and their exact response after asking what the hell took so long was...they didn't feel it was important enough!Maybe I should have told them we had fresh donuts!
Always be aware of your surroundings out there and please be safe!
Hey, one more reason to love this business!
But seriously ... this is a good reminder. I know I get too comfortable sometimes and put myself in places I shouldn't. Thank God he's okay (I'm assuming) and can live to do another eviction :)
Unfortunately the bad guys know where he lives. I hope that they either were too stoned to remember or he didn't have any more good stuff that they might want to come back for after they steal a truck. Or maybe they just like walking ... they did get some new sneakers.
- James
Rich - I'm so glad your agent is okay. How scary is that!
On a lighter note, have the police check out the local MLS. Some of the agents are going hungry with the market change and might be suspect.
This is one of my biggest fears. Realtors are often in a vulnerable state. We have had several instances where female realtors have been assaulted just as they were locking up their offices. Now we have a policy where everyone in our office tries to leave with someone. We need to be constantly vigilant in this day and age. Glad to hear your friend wasn't physically harmed. It may take some time to get over the emotional toll. I wish him well...
Rich,
Please extend our best wishes to Montry.
There are few comforting words suitable in this situation.
If he wants to come to Vegas, I can introduce him to a machine that will do the same thing to him. Our machines come with cocktail waitress and you leave feeling good. Just as broke but feeling good!
Bill
The control word: "grumixameira" has to be over control!
I did not think things like this would happen in a place like Ohio ... like you said we should never be too comfortable and not pay attention to our surroundings.
We live in a fairly safe area - but I do not wear flashy jewelry or drive my hummer when I am alone - it only takes one wack job to ruin your whole day!
Rich,
I'm glad to hear he is okay, I just heard that a real estate agent here In Fall River was shot in the head yesterday while meeting clients in his office last night. He is was released from the hospital today, thank god! Thank you for posting this.
Glad he's ok. I sure would like to know what to do when they want you to drive to your own home. That's when it gets super ugly and scary. anyone have a link to how to act / what to do in these circumstances esp when they want you to drive to your home.
Linda